Updates from Seattle Schools, October 6, 2026

2027-28 Financial Aid Applications are Available 

Many people assume they won’t qualify, but about half of families in Washington can get free money to help pay for education beyond high school. For 2026-27, a family of four making up to $139,500 can qualify for financial aid in Washington. In 2027-28, that income cutoff is expected to be even higher. The only way to know for sure if you’re eligible is to apply.

Learn more, get support, and apply for financial aid on Washington Student Achievement Council’s website. 



Guidance on SPS Middle School Students Taking High School Courses

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) is committed to providing every student with equitable access to advanced coursework. To support this, SPS course pathways in middle school allow students to earn credit for high-school level courses taken at any SPS middle school. These accelerated pathways are carefully designed to support students while ensuring alignment with Washington State learning standards, SPS curriculum, and expectations for high school coursework. 

In accordance with Washington State law, credit is automatically awarded for high school-level courses offered within SPS’ middle schools. The earned credits and grade are transcribed on a student’s high school transcript. If you do not wish for high-school course(s) taken in middle school to appear on your student’s high school transcript, you must notify your school before the end of your student’s 11th grade year by completing the Middle School Students Taking Out-of-District High School Courses form.

There's more at the website including who to contact if you have questions.



Superintendent's Weekly Message

This one is dated October 4, 2026.

He mentions his first community meeting at Thornton Creek Elementary with an attendance of about 150 people.

Like last year, we will collect all of the notes from the meeting and share them with the community. We will also share the survey results from those who attended. Here is the link to last year's information. 

Please see our schedule accessible via this link. It would be amazing if everyone could attend at least one community session this year. And as a reminder, we have live and active interpretation at the event as well.

He acknowledged issues still with late buses. He encourages parents to talk to their principal if that is the case.

He also said this:

Over the course of this year, we will be taking a closer look at all our spaces within our buildings, as well as who uses them throughout the day. As we start to think critically about the services we provide, as well as outside organizations, it would do us well to be more aligned around who is serving our students, how they are serving our students, and the costs around the service model.

Hmmm



Religious Accommodation Guidance for 2026-2027

The district does ask:

Is there anything we should consider when updating the Guidance for Religion and Religious Accommodations document in the future? 

Please send feedback to laborrelations@seattleschools.org.

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